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Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival 2026, Event Schedule, Map of Event Locations, Parade Route Map, Fireworks and Carnival! See the USCGC Spar, USCGC Mobile Bay, USCGC Morro Bay and USCGC Buckthorn + Fun Things To Do Nearby!
Article: 2026 Coast Guard Festival- Updated!
Join us in Grand Haven Michigan to honor the incredible men and women of the United States Coast Guard!
- Enjoy the colorful Kids and Grand Parade (my favorite!), games and rides at the carnival, breathtaking fireworks, lively mainstage concerts, 5k, engaging ship tours, craft show and so much fun!
When is the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival in Michigan?
July 24 – August 1, 2026
How long is Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival? The festival runs for 10 days!
Where is the Coast Guard Festival? The festival is located in Grand Haven, Michigan - right along Lake Michigan!
Why is Grand Haven Coast Guard City? For several years the Coast Guard has been serving in the Grand Haven area. This festival celebrates the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving in the West Michigan area.
How many people go to the Coast Guard Festival? Approximately 350,000 people attend this popular Michigan festival each year!
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival History
The Coast Guard Festival began in 1924 as a Coast Guard personnel only picnic. During the early Coast Guard festival days, service members stationed in Grand Haven enjoyed competitive rowing competitions. Now, this incredible festival is attended by thousands including the nation's highest ranking Coast Guard dignitaries from Washington, D.C.
{Pretty cool, huh?}
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival focuses on the National Coast Guard Memorial Service honoring those who sacrificed their lives in service. So let's celebrate our heroes, the men and women of the United States Coast Guard!
Grand Haven is designated as the “Coast Guard City, USA” by an Act of Congress and signed by the President of the United States on November 13, 1998.
Coast Guard Gifts-Cool Stuff
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Good Night Coast Guard is a lovely book illustrating the different types of boats and rescue vehicles. Perfect for young children to go on an adventure while learning about the guardians of the lakes and oceans!
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These Professional Quality Coast Guard Playing Cards make a great gift or addition to your game room. Disabled Veteran owned business.
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Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Map
Check out the locations of the festival events on the interactive map below!
Grab our interactive Google Coast Guard Festival Map.
2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Schedule of Events
There's so many Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival events to enjoy this year! This events page will be continuously updated as new events are announced.
Friday, July 24, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Lighthouse Quilt Guild Quilt Show - 9 am-7 pm. This lovely quilt show will feature over 150 quilts created by members, demonstrations, and hear stories about their antique quilts.
Location: Second Christian Reformed Church - 2021 Sheldon, Grand Haven MI 49417
Cost: $7.00
Mega 80's
When: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven, MI
Sherry Touring a Coast Guard Ship at the Grand Haven Coast Guard FestivalSaturday, July 25, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Coast Guard City USA Run -
- 7:30am – 5K Run/Walk*
- 8:30am – 10K Run/Walk*
- 8:45am – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Location: Tri Cities YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven, MI
Lighthouse Quilt Guild Quilt Show - 9 am-3 pm. This lovely quilt show will feature over 150 quilts created by members, demonstrations, and hear stories about their antique quilts.
Location: Second Christian Reformed Church - 2021 Sheldon, Grand Haven MI 49417
Tickets: $7.00
Kids Parade - 10:30 am
Parade Route: (SEE MAP ABOVE) Parade route: start at 5th St. & Franklin, West on Franklin to 1st St., North on 1st to Washington, East on Washington to 5th St.
“1776 Gave us a Nation … 1790 Gave us its Guardians” is the theme of the 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival kids parade.
Location: See our Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Map
Cardboard Boat Race Competition - 1:30 pm.
There will be two classes of racers in the 150-yard race with a limit of only 20 boats. The Buoy Class: ages 10-15 and the Cutter Class: anyone age over 16 years of age. Two-person and 3 to 8 person vessels are allowed.
Prize categories include fastest time, Fleet Award (best themed boat), Iceberg Award (best sinking!) and People’s Choice.
Come see the boats from Noon until the race and vote for People’s Choice!
Location: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage
Register for the Cardboard Boat Race!
The Kings of Queen - Get ready to rock to all the iconic songs by Queen!
Location: Lake Michigan Credit Union Waterfront Stage
Views of the USCGC Hollyhock (214) at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Sunday, July 26, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Hark Up Music: With the timeless sounds of the 60’s,70’s and 80’s to crowd favorites like The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond. In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, expect a special dose of patriotic favorites woven in!
Cruise-In Car Show - 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
See over 250 cars on display! Trophies and awards!
Location: Downtown Grand Haven on Washington Ave between Harbor Drive and 4th Street.
Pancake Breakfast - 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Come on out to the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Office, located at 113 N second street, Grand Haven, MI for a pancake fundraiser!
- $10 per adult
- $8 per child or Grand Haven student (18 under)
- $5 Veteran
- $30 family of 4 ( 2 adults and 2 children)
Flea On Seventh - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Shop dozens of vendors!
Location: 7th street between Washington and Columbus (SEE MAP)
Grand Haven Coast Guard Community Picnic - 12 pm-3pm
Enjoy games for all ages, classic hot dogs fresh off the grill, and plenty of time to relax and connect with neighbors and friends.
Location: Mulligans Hollow 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven, MI
Monday, July 27, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Ship Arrivals - 1 pm - 3:00 pm. FREE
The Coast Guard Festival parade of ships is such an anticipated event to kick off the festival! Wave to the gorgeous USCGC Mackinaw, USCGC Sequoia and decommissioned USCGC Sundew sail into the port of Grand Haven.
Location: Escanaba Park 673 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
Ship Tours - 6 pm – 8 pm - FREE. USCGC MACKINAW and USCGC Sequoia
Location: Escanaba Park, 673 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
Abbamania – Night Fever and A Tribute to Cher
Location: Waterfront Stadium 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI, United States
They are the only Abba production to perform twice for the cast of Mama Mia. Hear the hits from “Waterloo, S.O.S to Dancing Queen”.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Ship Tours - 1 pm-3 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm. FREE
- USCGC Mackinaw
- USCGC Sequoia
- Decommissioned USCGC Sundew
Location: Escanaba Park
Kids Day - Kids Day is full of games and entertainment, bounce houses, Red Carpet photo moments, and hands-on opportunities to learn building basics.
Kids Day runs from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival 2026 - 6 pm-11 pm
Carnival rides, family friendly games, food concessions, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk. This is the place for family fun at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival!
Location: Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot (SEE MAP!)
The Trifecta of American Classic Rock
Location: Waterfront Stadium 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI, United States
The Trifecta of American Classic Rock – Tributes to The Steve Miller Band, John Cougar & Creedence Clearwater Revival. Come join the fun!
Street Dance With Brena - 8:30 pm-10:30 pm FREE
Enjoy The Grand Rapids cover band, Brena! Dance and sing along to hits from the 80s, 90s, and NOW. From “Shout” to Motown, rock, and country, the show has something for everyone!
Location: Washington Street between 3rd and 4th (SEE MAP!)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Volleyball Tournament -
- Beach Volleyball event for active duty and retired U.S. Coast Guard personnel, along with their family members 16 or older, Starts at 10:00 am
Where: Grand Haven State Park 1001 S Harbor, Grand Haven, MI
Seniors Day - 8 am - 2 pm Mulligan's Hollow events. FREE!
- 8 am – Pickleball Tournament
- 10 am – Health and Wellness Expo
- 10:45 – Fitness Demonstrations
- 11:30 – Announcements
- Noon – Boxed Lunch provided by our Sponsors
- 12:45 – Bingo and Prizes
- 12:45 – Musical Entertainment by Silverado2 pm – Senior Day Concluded
Location: Mulligan's Hollow, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven, MI
Ship Tours - 10 am -12 pm, 1 pm -3 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm. FREE
- USCGC Mackinaw
- USCGC Sequoia
- Decommissioned USCGC Sundew
Location: Escanaba Park
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival 2026 - 2 pm-11 pm. Carnival rides, family friendly games, food concessions, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk. This is the place for family fun at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival!
Location: Harbor Front and Covenant Life parking lot (SEE MAP!)
The Retirees Dinner (Private Event) Coast Guard Retirees Reunion Dinner – An evening of stories, salutes and camaraderie. Retirees and their guests only. Reservations required.
Location: The Eagles - 20 N Second St, Grand Haven, MI.
Forever Seger/The Silver Bullet Experience
Location: Waterfront Stadium 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI, United States
FOREVER SEGER, creates the timeless music of Bob Seger featuring lead singer, Kevin Reid. Authentic vocals, commanding performance and Reid’s unmistakable 1970’s Seger-look.
Thursday, July 30, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Coastie Golf Tournament - Golf Outing is for Retired and Current Coast Guard Personnel Only
- Registration at 0730 EDT.
- Shotgun start at 0830 EDT.
Place: Pigeon Creek Golf Club – 10195 120th Ave. West Olive MI 49460
Coast Guard Recruiting Presentation, FREE, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard is inviting job seekers between the ages of 17-41 to meet with local Coast Guard representatives who have the inside scoop on the latest bonuses! If you want to travel, learn a trade, or just explore your options, come to their seminar and learn about the FREE tuition and healthcare benefits the Coast Guard offers, and see if you qualify for a signing bonus!
Location: Sector Field Office at 650 S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven MI 49417
Ship Tours - 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm
- USCGC Mackinaw
- USCGC Sequoia
Location: Escanaba Park
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival 2026 - 12 pm-6 pm. Carnival rides, family friendly games, food concessions, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk. This is the place for family fun at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival!
Location: Downtown in the Harbourfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots. (SEE MAP!)
Honorees Dinner (Invitation only) - Starts at 5:30 pm
Crazy Train – The Ozzy Experience - Crazy Train is the ultimate touring Ozzy Osbourne Tribute show, hosted by Vinny Cormier, an incredible Ozzy impersonator with his son Dylan on guitar.
Friday, July 31, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Merchants and Makers at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival – Friday - 9 am-6 pm FREE. Shop handmade arts and crafts!
Location: Central Park, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven, MI
Ship Tours - 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm FREE
- USCGC Sequoia
- Decommissioned USCGC Sundew
Location: Escanaba Park
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival 2026 - 12 pm-11 pm
Carnival rides, family friendly games, food concessions, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk. This is the place for family fun at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival!
Location: Downtown in the Harbourfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots.
Commanding Officers Reception (Hosted by the USCGC Mackinaw)
By Invitation Only beginning at 2:30 pm
U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team -
Discipline, teamwork, and tradition on full display. Beginning at approximately 3:45 pm prior to the National Coast Guard Memorial Service
National Coast Guard Memorial Service - 4:00 PM
Join us as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Location: Escanaba Park, 673 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
Coast Guard Enlisted Dinner - Enlisted/Active Duty Coast Guard personnel only.
Location: American Legion Post 28.
Legends of New Country: Wallen & Wilson + Drone Show
Location: Waterfront Stadium 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI
Enjoy a high energy country experience! This is the ultimate tribute show that brings together the electrifying music of two of country music’s hottest superstars – Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.
Saturday, August 1, 2026 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Events
Merchants and Makers at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival – Saturday - 9:00 am-5:00 pm FREE. Shop handmade arts and crafts!
Location: Central Park
Ship Tours - 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm.. FREE
- USCGC Mackinaw
- USCGC Sequoia
Location: Escanaba Park
Grand Parade -11:45 am FREE
See more than 100 entries salute the men & women of the United States Coast Guard in this annual event.
Location: See our Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Map. The Grand Parade begins on Sheldon St at Colfax.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Carnival 2026 - 12 pm-11 pm
Carnival rides, family friendly games, food concessions, and guest amenities like an on-site ATM and help desk. This is the place for family fun at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival!
Location: Downtown in the Harbourfront, Covenant Life and Chinook Pier Parking Lots.
Elton & Billy – The Tribute + Fireworks Spectacular
Location: Waterfront Stadium 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI, United States
This Tribute is the ultimate live experience in the music of the legendary piano men! This tribute experience engages all the senses featuring three hours of music by Elton John and Billy Joel!
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Schedule, Events and Things to SeeFun Pins for Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Where to Park for Coast Guard Festival
Not gonna lie, parking is tricky if you get to the Coast Guard Festival later in the day or on the weekends. We enjoy parking at Chinook Pier and then walking to see the ships, carnival and other events. Parking is free at Chinook Pier but fills up very quickly. See our Map below for parking locations.
Top Things To Do in Grand Haven Michigan!
Things To Do in Grand Haven Michigan: Grab the Guide!After enjoying the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, be sure to stay in the area to enjoy the beach, state park, shops and more!
Grab our Grand Haven guide for lots of fun ideas of things to do!
Visit nearby Saugatuck Michigan! There are so many things to do like the chain ferry!
Author: Sherry Trautman
Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman
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